After an extended absence, Spider-Man has returned to the silver screen this summer. With an all-new director and cast, the hype level is high for the wall crawler’s latest adventure. Joined by a new video game, there’s plenty to get excited about in a summer full of Spider-Man.

The Amazing Spider-Man Film Review

Director: Marc Webb

Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys  Ifans

Rated: PG-13

4.5 out of 5 stars

With a great deal of behind-the-scenes turmoil and a five-year gap since the release of Spider-Man 3, many wondered how the franchise reboot, the Amazing Spider-Man, would stack up.

Thanks to a more realistic take on the character and a strong cast of talented actors, The Amazing Spider-Man manages to not only be a great summer thrill ride, but also the best Spider-Man film yet.

As a reboot, The Amazing Spider-Man shares a lot in common with the first Spider-Man film released in 2002. Peter Parker, played by Andrew Garfield, is a high school student living with his aunt and uncle. While sneaking around the labs of  Oscorp , Peter is bitten by a genetically-altered spider, causing him to develop his iconic superpowers.

Even though the origin is familiar, the new plot points do a lot to bring the old tale to life. Peter spends much of the film interacting with Dr. Curt Connors, played by Rhys  Ifans ,  reimagined  here as a genetic research partner of Peter’s dead father. The mystery surrounding Peter’s parents is a major new element to the series, and is set to be continued in future installments.

The increased focus on the scientific side of things also serves to better ground the film in reality. The film provides more explanation on the science behind the creation of both Spider-Man and the villainous Lizard and a closer look into the development of the various pieces of equipment used in the film, like Spidey’s  web shooters.

The film’s real shining point, however, is in its portrayal of Spider-Man himself. Garfield sells the awkward and introverted nature of Peter Parker during the high-school and home-life scenes. The relationships Peter shares with his Uncle Ben, played by Martin Sheen, and love interest Gwen Stacy, played by Emma Stone, are particular highlights.

Even better is Garfield’s performance while wearing the mask.  Tobey  Maguire’s Spider-Man was serviceable, but never quite managed to match the joking, carefree persona seen in the comics. With a wide array of quips and a sense of wonder at his new powers, the reboot’s  Spidey  feels as if he swung right from the comic page.

So much works in The Amazing Spider-Man that the few times it stumbles really stand out. For one, the CGI for the Lizard is serviceable, but certainly could’ve used a bit more work. Also, a moment in the climax is so unbelievable that it’s easily the cheesiest moment in the entire franchise.

Still, Spider-Man has managed to hit the ground sprinting with this reboot. Anyone with a fondness for the character owes it to him or herself to check out The Amazing Spider-Man and see one of the best interpretations of the character available.